All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has dismissed talk of revenge against England but agrees the Test at Twickenham carries extra meaning after getting “donkey-licked” there last year.
Hansen accepts the 38-21 loss last December sprinkled spice on a Test that is traditionally one the All Blacks invariably rise for.
However, he says revenge isn’t what is driving the world champions ahead of Saturday’s Test against the No.3 ranked side.
“I reckon that’s one of the silliest words you can use in rugby – revenge is quite a hateful word and our game’s a beautiful game,” he said.
“What it is is an opportunity to see if we’ve improved. Last time they were first, daylight was second and we were third.”
Hansen has been peppered with questions all week about last year’s game and the role a virus that swept through the team in the leadup might have played in a sub-par All Blacks performance.
He has continually dismissed that topic but finally buckled under further questioning about whether this Test stands out from others because the humbling nature of the defeat.
The 17-point losing margin was the second biggest in All Blacks history and remains the only black mark in Hansen’s two-year reign as head coach.
“There’s the odd match that becomes a little bit more special because of all the ingredients that come with it,” Hansen said.
“This one’s a little special because 12 months ago England put in a really great performance and donkey-licked us.
“People are talking it up and making it an even greater occasion.”
Hansen admired the England team named on Thursday by opposite Stuart Lancaster, which features one starting change from the side who beat Argentina 31-12 last weekend.
Tighthead prop Dan Cole replaces David Wilson in a starting XV boasting just seven players who started last year’s win over the All Blacks.
Thirteen All Blacks will repeat their start from Twickenham a year ago, with centre Ben Smith and wing Charles Piutau the two fresh faces in place of Conrad Smith and Cory Jane respectively.